E-mail: m.railton@nparchaeology.co.uk

Martin joined the company in May 2006. He specialises in archaeological survey techniques, including: building survey, earthwork survey, geophysical survey and GIS, in addition to archaeological excavation. He also has extensive experience of illustration and mapping using Computer Aided Design (CAD). Martin manages much of the case-work of the Cumbria office, including desk-based assessments, watching briefs, evaluations, excavations, building surveys and earthwork surveys. He is also responsible for managing NPA Geophysical Surveys.

Recent projects have included a detailed building survey of Blencow Hall medieval fortified manor house, geophysical survey of Carlisle Airport, excavation of a post-medieval tannery in Kendal, Cumbria, excavation of a coking works at Framwellgate Moor, Durham and also the evaluation of a medieval vaccary in the Lake District National Park..

Martin graduated with an Honours Degree in Archaeology from Durham University in 1996. His interest in British Prehistory led him to work on prehistoric sites in Cumbria, Yorkshire and Scotland, before returning to Durham in 2001 to take a Masters Degree in Archaeological Survey (awarded with distinction). Martin was also trained in fieldwork techniques by English Heritage at Whitby Abbey, and went on to work on a high profile English Heritage project at Groundwell Ridge, Swindon in 2003. Before joining North Pennines Archaeology Ltd, Martin worked for Archaeological Services Durham University for three years, where he worked on and supervised numerous commercial archaeology projects. These included evaluations, surveys, desk-based assessments, watching briefs, building surveys and excavations. During this time, Martin also specialised in geophysical survey, and supervised numerous surveys in the North East, Scotland and Southern England. In addition he became an experienced illustrator, and has a qualification in 3D modelling using AutoCAD.

Martin has lived in Cumbria for 20 years and has developed an extensive knowledge of the archaeology of the county. Martin started a PhD project on Prehistoric and Romano-British Settlements in Cumbria in 2005, and is continuing his research part-time. He is also the founder of Appleby Archaeology Society and continues to support the fieldwork activities of the group. He holds a first aid certificate, and is registered with the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).